Cary #5 Best City to Move to
Cary was named the 5th best city to move to in North Carolina according to The USA Today. Here is some of what they said about Cary:
“… It’s conveniently close to top employers in the Research Triangle Park and medical facilities such as Rex UNC Hospital. Cary attracts residents thanks to top-ranking schools, which scored an 8 out of 10 on NeighborhoodScout. Cary has a relatively low crime rate of fewer than 12 crimes committed per 1,000 residents, according to NeighborhoodScout.
Cary’s typical rent is $1,776 per month, higher than many other parts of North Carolina. However, Cary’s high median income of $125,317 means Cary still has a favorable rent-to-income ratio, and the area has the lowest percentage of rent-burdened residents on our list.”
Unfortunately, they think of Cary as a suburb. Those days were gone 15 years ago. More people come to Cary to work than leave for work.
Cary #1 For Renters in US
According to the 2024 USA Today survey Cary is the best place for renters in the country. The reasons they cited included financial accessibility, low crime, good schools, and access to recreation.
PPA Tournament Generated $2.6 million in Economic Impact
The estimated direct economic impact of the PPA Tour (The Pro Tour of Pickleball) held in Cary during the first week of April, was $2,637,818. The direct local tax revenue from visitor spending was $119,851. An estimated 4,907 attendees visited from outside of Wake County. We look forward to hosting more professional pickleball in the future.
Weekly One-On-One with the Town Manager
Monday I met briefly with the town manager. Some of the topics of conversation included the upcoming proposed budget, the potential bond, an upcoming work session, and the council.
Cary Tennis Classic Board
I participated in a meeting of the Cary Tennis Classic Board Monday evening. Topics included the sponsors, the Anthony Blackmon Scholars, tournament electronics and streaming, media, promotions, and new sponsor levels. The board will be announcing exciting news soon.
CAMPO Executive Board
The CAMPO Executive Board met Wednesday and approved Amendment #4 to the FY2024-2033 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The board also received information on Triangle Regional Transit Survey 2023, Morrisville Pkwy Access Management Study Recommendations, Recommended FY 2025 Wake Transit Work Plan, and the NC540 Bonus Allocation Programming.
NC Metro Mayors
Friday I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors for a legislative summary. Here is a summary of this week’s actions from Checkmate Government Relations:
Budget Surplus Adjustment
The North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) released a revised General Fund revenue forecast for the 2023-2025 biennium. The revenue forecast provides policymakers at the General Assembly with updated information on revenue collections to inform them before budget adjustments are made in the short session. The Consensus Forecasting Group, comprised of economists at the OSBM and the Fiscal Research Division at the General Assembly, made a downward revision to the General Fund Forecast of $225 million in the current fiscal year, and $205 million in the next fiscal year. The adjustment resulted from personal income tax collections in April falling short of the April consensus forecast. Despite the revenue adjustments, the budget surplus for this fiscal year will be $188 million and is expected to be $799 million next year.
Second Primary Election Results
The polls closed for North Carolina’s second primary runoff election at 7:30 pm on Tuesday. The results were reported by the North Carolina State Board of Elections and are available on their website. Hal Weatherman was selected as the Republican nominee for the Lieutenant Governor race. Weatherman will face Democratic candidate Rachel Hunt and Libertarian Shannon Bray in the general election this November. Dave Boliek defeated Jack Clark in the Republican primary runoff for state auditor. Boliek will face Democratic candidate Jessica Holmes and Libertarian Bob Drach in November. Brad Knott defeated Kelly Daughtry in the race for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional district. He will face Democratic candidate Frank Pierce in the general election.
Juvenile Justice Bill
This week, the Senate approved HB834, Juvenile Justice Modifications by a vote of 41-4. The bill received favorable reports from the Senate Judiciary and Rules committees before moving to the floor for a vote on Wednesday. This bill would update the definition of “delinquent juvenile” to exclude certain, more major offenses. The bill would also help clarify the transfer process between Juvenile and Superior courts. Senator Danny Britt (R-Robeson) presented the bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee and spoke to the intent the bill has to clear the backlog of cases waiting to be heard in Juvenile courts. The bill has been sent back to the House for a concurrence vote.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Today you will be receiving your FY 2025 Proposed Budget. As you review the document, please keep in mind that the document itself is not intended to serve as a replacement for the staff presentations you will be receiving during the upcoming budget work sessions.
Similar to staff reports, the presentations will assist you in the overall comprehension of the Town’s Budget. Since it is a proposed document, the final adopted version will include any changes that are made during the process, as well as provide additional clarification or line-item detail that you may find helpful. In the past, councilmembers have asked for more detail than what was stated in the proposed version, and we can and will make those adjustments as we move forward. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Finally, we close out our day together at Appreciate the Best to honor our colleagues and our joint contributions to keeping Cary at the Top of the Arc. I’m personally grateful to those who could not attend today’s event because they were “keeping the machine” going – thank you! And thank you to Human Resources, Public Works, the Cary Tennis Park, and all of this year’s partners for organizing an amazing event.
Have a great weekend.
Sean
2024 Cary 101 Graduates
This year’s Cary 101 participants celebrated their completion of the program on Wednesday after spending the last several weeks learning about Cary’s operations, programs, and services. Councilmembers Lori Bush and Michelle Craig thanked the citizens for their interest in Cary, and firefighters at Station 9 cooked a delicious dinner to honor this year’s graduates! The next Cary 101 program will be planned for Spring 2025.
Impressions of Taiwan
On Wednesday, Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson provided welcoming remarks for the Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, performing “Impressions of Taiwan,” at the Cary Arts Center. She was joined by Councilmember Sarika Bansal at this event which was presented by Cary Sister Cities, NC Taiwanese Cultural Arts, and the Town of Cary, celebrating Taiwan Heritage Week and our relationship with our sister city, Hsinchu, Taiwan. The performers shared the culture and history of Taiwan through music and movement.
Walk, Roll, and Bike to School Day
This month, we celebrate National Bike Month with various bike-focused events and activities. On May 8, Councilmember Michelle Craig participated in Briarcliff Elementary’s Walk, Roll, and Bike to School Day. This event encourages students and families to walk or bike to school, promoting physical activity, environmental awareness, and safer routes. During the event, Councilmember Craig addressed the students, parents, and staff, emphasizing her and Cary’s commitment to making the town more walkable and bikeable by adding bike lanes and sidewalks.
Additionally, we are excited to announce the launch of two bike corrals downtown, located on Academy Street near Park Street and on Chatham Street near Crosstown Pub. For more information on upcoming events, visit our Bike Cary page. As part of our commitment to enhancing bike mobility, we are also updating Cary’s Bike Plan. The draft network map and online survey is now open for input.
Homeschool KIDS Visit Town Hall
On May 14, the Homeschool KIDS Group visited Town Hall to learn more about their government. They visited Information Technology, the Traffic Management Center, the Police K9 Unit, the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, and Councilmember Lori Bush.
Cary Honors Our Teachers
On Wednesday, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmember Michelle Craig participated in the Cary Chamber of Commerce Honor A Teacher Program, an initiative that recognizes and celebrates outstanding teachers for their dedication and contributions to education in the community. As a councilmember and teacher, Councilmember Craig provided a heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Mayor and Councilmembers, emphasizing the important role of teachers in our community. Congratulations to all the award winners who were announced at the event.
Celebrating International Compost Awareness Week
During International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) from May 5 – 11, Cary encouraged the community to participate in various composting activities. Staff promoted the benefits and opportunities to compost through a week-long social media campaign, reaching 14,266 people. The latest Cary Matters segment featured Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Jack Smith, who highlighted the expanded food waste recycling drop-off service. Citizens finalized compost bin purchases as the annual sale concluded with 135 units sold, and Sarah Justice, Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator, hosted compost Q&A sessions at the Carpenter Garden. Supporting statewide ICAW events, Srijana Guilford, Waste Strategy and Impact Consultant, presented on the NC Composting Council’s “Community Composting and Drop Spots” webinar, sharing Cary’s experience in developing food waste drop-off sites and the community’s success in diverting waste from landfills. Cary was one of five North Carolina municipalities highlighted to encourage best practices in collection services.
Walnut Street In-Road Warning Light System
Installation for the addition of in-road warning lights to the existing crosswalk on Walnut Street at R.S. Dunham Park is scheduled for the week of May 20. This work is anticipated to be completed within one week. Throughout this period, at least one travel lane will remain open in each direction. The system being installed mirrors the one recently completed on Harrison Avenue near the Cary Depot, and it will be integrated into the Walnut Street Road Diet as that project progresses. Further details are available on the project website, and staff will also inform the public about the planned construction through social media.
Street Repairs in Oakwood Heights
Next week, crews will begin concrete repairs in the Oakwood Heights neighborhood as part of our annual Street Improvements Project. These repairs, which are done in advance of repaving, are essential for improving streets. They involve fixing damaged curbs and gutters and upgrading curb ramps to meet the latest standards.
“Live Inspired” Tagline Receives Official Trademark Designation
We are thrilled to announce that Cary’s “Live Inspired” tagline has officially received trademark certification from the United States Patent and Trademark Office! This milestone is a significant achievement for Cary and a testament to the ongoing success of our branding initiatives. With this approval, “Live Inspired” joins our existing registrations: “Cary,” “Cary Live Inspired,” and “Cary North Carolina.” Along with these, Cary has an extensive list of materials that have obtained copyrights such as the OneCary Toolkit. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be updating the logos and branding materials where applicable to align with this standard.
Ritmo Latino Festival
Last weekend, the 21st annual Ritmo Latino Festival brought Latin beats and delicious eats to Downtown Cary, as over 5,000 attendees enjoyed the beautiful weather and vibrant festival atmosphere. Presented by Diamante Arts and Cultural Center in partnership with the Town of Cary, the Ritmo Latino Festival is a celebration of Latino/Hispanic cultures, offering music, dancing, food, and experiences to share these cultures with the Cary community.
Touring the Kellanova Plant in Cary
On Thursday, Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton and Chief Development Officer Scot Berry toured the Kellanova plant with representatives from the Cary Chamber of Commerce. Kellanova, a global snacking company, is considering expansion and growth in Cary.
Planning and Zoning Board Training at UNC
On Wednesday, members of Cary’s Planning and Zoning Board attended a training session on legislative zoning decisions at the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill. This half-day workshop focused on procedures and considerations for legislative land use decisions, including rezonings, conditional zonings, and text amendments. The workshop also included members of boards, commissions, and staff from the greater Triangle Region.
Stratified Police Training
This past week, the Police Department welcomed Doctors Roberto and Rachel Santos, the architects of Stratified Policing, to Cary to train our staff on their problem-oriented policing model. Stratified Policing is an evidence-based organizational problem-solving, analysis, and accountability model that seeks to facilitate crime reduction. It provides a framework that clearly identifies the roles and responsibilities for all personnel in crime prevention and problem-oriented policing.
International Coaching Week
This week, in recognition of International Coaching Week, 60 employees attended workshops led by Executive Leadership Coach Mark Robertson. In recent years, Mark has helped us learn and embrace leadership fundamentals and behaviors that support our organization’s culture and values. The workshops were extremely beneficial for staff at all levels to have open and vulnerable dialogues about trust, emotional intelligence, and how to have conversations and relationships that lead to greater impact and clarity.
Playing Through Cary
This week, professional golfers Scott McCarron, Robert Karlsson, and Rod Pampling, 2023 SAS Championship winner, “played through” Cary for a commercial shoot, featuring various iconic Cary locations, which will air during the upcoming 2024 tournament. The players and crew had a great time exploring the area, and we’re excited to welcome them back this October for the SAS Championship!
Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
The following neighborhood meeting will be held virtually from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5:
- 24-REZ-08 Yates Store Rd Rezoning
Upcoming Meetings
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, May 20
6:30 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, May 20
6:30 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, May 23
4:30 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, May 23
6:30 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Several complaints about proposed rezonings in Regency (Council has little information at this point since there hasn’t been a public hearing)
- Concern about the budget and tax rate
- Complaint about the “total destruction of a great little town”
- A request for Cary to give away cash to homeless people like Raleigh
- Several requests for ALS Awareness month (We do this every year)
- Request to recognize a citizen turning 100 (Absolutely!)
- Requests to do more about climate change
- A complaint about the safety of Cary Elementary crosswalks
- A noise complaint of La Buena Vida
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a council work session on the budget, and the last regularly scheduled meet of May.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, May 19th, 2024. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
Harold's Blog 